Cool off––take a bus ride to the beach for only a buck

By Michael Picarella Acorn Staff Writer

For those without a ride to beach this summer, including kids, teens and senior citizens, hop on the bus—the beach bus to Zuma Beach. Services are provided from now until Aug. 22 in Calabasas and Aug. 23 in Agoura Hills.

The beach bus is open to residents in Calabasas, Agoura Hills and other nearby communities. The fare is $1 each way.

"It’s really been a great program," said Calabasas community services recreation coordinator Stefanie Qualls. "It’s inexpensive for the participant and it’s an easy opportunity to get to the beach."

According to Calabasas assistant transportation planner Tom Gdala, the beach bus has been around for about eight years. The beach bus program is a result of grant funds that Los Angeles County awards cities for transportation services.

"The (beach bus) program has been a success and that’s why we keep using it," Gdala said.

Two bus lines run to the beach. The Calabasas beach bus is available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Pickups are at:

Calabasas High School in the big parking lot by the sidewalk at 10:05 a.m., 1:20 p.m. and 3 p.m., with return trips at 3 p.m., 5:20 p.m. and 7:05 p.m.

The Calabasas Tennis and Swim Center at the left side of the parking lot entrance at 10:10 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 3:05 p.m., with return trips arriving back at 2:55 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Round Meadow Elementary School at the second parking Island at 10:20 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 3:05 p.m., with return trips arriving back at 2:45 p.m., 5:05 p.m. and 6:50 p.m.

Calabasas City Hall at the mailboxes at 10:25 a.m., 12:55 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with return trips arriving back at 2:40 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

Juan Bautista de Anza Park in the front parking lot at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:35 p.m., with return trips arriving back at 2:35 p.m., 4:55 p.m. and 6:40 p.m.

Buses for Calabasas leave Zuma Beach from lifeguard tower No. 6 at 2 p.m., 4:20 p.m. and 6 p.m.

For more information, call (818) 880-6461.

The Agoura Hills beach bus is available Mondays through Saturdays. Pickups are at:

Lindero Canyon Middle School at 7:50 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 12:40 p.m. and 3:10 p.m., with return trips arriving back at 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:20 p.m. and 7:20 p.m.

Agoura High School at 8 a.m., 10:40 a.m., 12:50 p.m. and 3:20 p.m., with return trips arriving back at 12:10 p.m., 2:50 p.m., 5:10 p.m. and 7:10 p.m.

Liberty Canyon and Agoura Road at 8:10 a.m., 10:40 a.m., 12:50 p.m. and 3:20 p.m., with return trips arriving back at noon, 2:40 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Buses for Agoura Hills leave Zuma Beach from lifeguard tower No. 6 at 11:30 a.m., 2:10 p.m., 4:20 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.

For more information, call (818) 597-7361.

Times may vary due to traffic.

Loud music and eating aren’t allowed. Buses are unsupervised. Riders must have a picture ID with them (to show the driver) and have the exact fare.